Literary Devices - Definitions Literary Devices refers to the typical structures used by writers in their works to convey his or her messages in a simple manner to the readers. Literary devices or literary techniques are specific structures that writers often use to add meaning or create more compelling stories for the reader. 

Two Major Subcategories Literary Elements Literary Techniques have an inherent existence in literary piece and are extensively employed by writers to develop a literary piece structures (usually words or phrases) in literary texts that writers employ to achieve not merely artistic ends but also readers a greater understanding and appreciation of their literary works. Tools

Two Major Subcategories Literary Elements/Concepts Literary Techniques Plot Setting Theme Mood Bildungsroman Tone Exist inherently Metaphor Alliteration Idiom Personification Anastrophe Synecdoche Tools

Literary DEVICE (Literary Element) Vignette: a brief evocative description, scene, or episode More about imagery than plot Stands alone “Snapshot of words” Very brief Trying to create a mood/feeling Focuses on one element of a story

Figurative Language Devices in HOMS Learning Targets: Students will be able to define figurative language. Students will be able to identify simile, metaphor, personification, idiom, and euphemism and explain their effect on the text. Students will be able to give examples of simile, metaphor, personification, idiom, and euphemism.

Literary Devices Figurative Language Literary Techniques =Language that is not literal

Examples of Figurative Language Metaphor - figurative language that compares two (usually unrelated) things Simile - figurative language that compares two (usually unrelated) things using like or as Personification - figurative language that gives human characteristics to inhuman things

What does Euphemism mean?

What does Euphemism mean? EXAMPLES: Eric’s driving skills left plenty of room for improvement. I got in a bit of trouble for stretching the truth about the broken lamp. Ew! My dad wanted to have the birds and bees talk. These TVs fell off the back of a truck. Your grandma’s in a better place now. He is just big boned. Actually, I’m between jobs at the moment. What are these people really saying?

Euphemism Euphemism: Mild or indirect word or expression that is figuratively used to replace something that is embarrassing or rude to talk about. Euphemisms often are used to replace topics like: Death Your grandma’s in a better place now. Sex Ew! My dad wanted to have the birds and bees talk. Other uncomfortable subjects

Euphemism in HOMS We just read “There was an Old Woman She Had So Many Children She Didn’t Know What to Do” What was the Euphemism? What was the Euphemism for? Why would “hit the ground like a sugar donut” or “exploding star” not make a good euphemisms? (30). With a partner come up with your own euphemism Why would an author use euphemisms? How would it help create an unreliable narrator? What evidence do we have that “learned to fly” is the euphemism?

What do these have in common? To break one’s pipe – casser sa pipe To pull the leathers – tirare le cuoia To kick the calendar - kopnąć w kalendarz To kick the bucket They all mean “to die.”

What do these have in common? To break one’s pipe – casser sa pipe - French To pull the leathers – tirare le cuoia - Italian To kick the calendar - kopnąć w kalendarz - Polish To kick the bucket They all mean “to die.” What type of figurative language are these?

Idioms - Examples On the ball Bite the bullet Get something out of your system It’s raining cats and dogs Kick the bucket Get to the bottom of the situation Cold shoulder Couch potato

Idiom - definition Idiom: a short phrase established by usage as having a static figurative meaning Idiom: a short phrase established by usage as having a fixed figurative meaning Because idioms are figurative, you cannot translate them literally. Most languages have their own idioms. Can you think of any in another language?

Idioms - German The idiom: Tomaten auf den Augen haben. Literal translation: “You have tomatoes on your eyes.” What it means: “You are not seeing what everyone else can see. It refers to real objects, though — not abstract meanings.” The idiom: Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof. Literal translation: “I only understand the train station.” What it means: “I don’t understand a thing about what that person is saying.’” What’s an English version of this idiom?

Thai idioms The idiom: เอาหูไปนา เอาตาไปไร่ Literal translation: “Take ears to the field, take eyes to the farm.” What it means: “It means ‘don’t pay any attention.’ Almost like ‘don’t bring your eyes and ears with you.’ If that were possible.” The idiom: ชาติหน้าตอนบ่าย ๆ Literal translation: “One afternoon in your next reincarnation.” What it means: “It’s never gonna happen.” What’s an English version of this idiom?

French idioms The idiom: Tomber dans les pommes Literal translation: “To fall into the apples What it means: “To faint.” The idiom: Les carottes sont cuites! Literal translation: “The carrots are cooked!” What it means: “The situation can’t be changed.” What’s an English version of this idiom?

Russian idioms The idiom: На воре и шапка горит Literal translation: “The thief has a burning hat.” What it means: “He has an uneasy conscience that betrays itself.” The idiom: Хоть кол на голове теши Literal translation: “You can sharpen with an ax on top of this head.” What it means: “He’s a very stubborn person.” What’s an English version of this idiom?

Quick Note Any day that reading is assigned, you might have a quiz over it. This is true throughout the year. Usually reading quizzes focus on the previous night’s reading, but they can be over any part of the book.

Idiom index cards On the lined side: Write your idiom in large, legible print Write your name at the bottom On the blank side: Draw a line down the middle Label the bottom left “Literal” Label the bottom right “Figurative” Draw one illustration for each side Color and/or outline in bold marker 10 points process category